John McCain and other Republicans have accused Democrats, especially Harry Reid, of hurting troop morale and American security with talk of timelines and war "is lost." He recently said:
“I don’t recall a time in history while men and women are fighting and sacrificing that one of our major leaders has said that the conflict is lost.”
But John may have forgotten these words he spoke on the Senate floor in 1993 and 1994 while American soldiers fought in Haiti and Somali:
Debate on timetable for Haiti Mission: “In my view that does not mean as soon as order is restored to Haiti. It does not mean as soon as democracy is flourishing in Haiti. It does not mean as soon as we have established a viable nation in Haiti. As soon as possible means as soon we can get out of Haiti without losing any American lives. [Senate Floor, 10/6/94]
Debate on ending Somalia Mission: “Mr. President, can anyone seriously argue that another 6 months of United States forces in harm’s way means the difference between peace and prosperity in Somalia and war and starvation there? Is that very dim prospect worth one more American life? No, it is not.” [Senate Floor, 10/14/93]
Here are the videos of those Senate performances by Senator John McCain:
1993
YouTube - McCain Argues for Troop Withdrawal from Haiti
1994
YouTube - McCain Argues for U.S. Troop Withdrawl from Somalia
Just remember these comments everytime McCain chides the Democrats for their Iraq position on timelines. Remember what this man said when Republicans get all indignent about "supporting the troops in harm's way." Remember these words when Republicans ask for "just 6 more months" or "more time for success" or other such statements we've heard ad nauseum for almost four years now.
McCain had a right to express those earlier views. He didn't hurt the troops then. And neither are the Democrats hurting them now.